X

Make room, Siri: Alexa can control iDevices gadgets now, too

Designed with Apple HomeKit in mind, iDevices' Siri-compatible smart switches and thermostats now work with Amazon's Alexa, too.

Ry Crist Senior Editor / Reviews - Labs
Originally hailing from Troy, Ohio, Ry Crist is a writer, a text-based adventure connoisseur, a lover of terrible movies and an enthusiastic yet mediocre cook. A CNET editor since 2013, Ry's beats include smart home tech, lighting, appliances, broadband and home networking.
Expertise Smart home technology and wireless connectivity Credentials
  • 10 years product testing experience with the CNET Home team
Ry Crist
Sarah Tew / CNET

iDevices has a history of making iOS-friendly gadgets for your home, and its connected switches, sockets and thermostats -- all designed for use with Apple HomeKit's Siri-powered voice controls -- are no exception. Today, though, you can start using those gadgets with Amazon's Alexa, too, thanks to a new iDevices skill in the Alexa app.

idevices-alexa-app.jpg
Enlarge Image
idevices-alexa-app.jpg

You'll find iDevices in the "Skills" section of the Alexa app.

Screenshot by Ry Crist/CNET

Turn that skill on, and you'll be able to ask Alexa to turn your iDevices Switch on and off, turn an iDevices Thermostat up or down, or set the dimness of any light bulb that's screwed into an iDevices Socket. iPhone users could already do all of that with Siri thanks to Apple HomeKit, the company's set of iOS-centric smart-home protocols. Adding in Alexa controls helps widen the appeal of that pitch, particularly for people who prefer controlling their smart-home gadgets with the always-on, always-listening Amazon Echo smart speaker.

iDevices isn't the only smart-home brand that offers voice controls from both Siri and Alexa -- the same is true of the Philips Hue line of connected LED lights, the Insteon smart-home platform, and connected thermostats from Ecobee and Honeywell.